Bangalore: The number of mobile phone users is increasing by the day. The fallout has been network towers that provide cellular phone coverage from one end of the city to the other and beyond. BSNL itself will have close to 2,000 of them by next year and private operators are not lagging behind. With call rates slashed down to Re. 1 or less under certain tariff plans, there are more mobile phone users and the need for more towers for expanding networks.

Network towers now dot rooftops at the most unlikely places. They are on top of private houses and more commonly, atop apartment complexes. Aesthetics apart, the rentals paid by the mobile phone operators cannot be ignored by many. An apartment society may get monthly rentals ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 depending on the location and the "desperation" of the mobile phone company. Some such as Bharti Airtel have purchased plots of land or taken space on long-term lease.

While it appears to be a win-win situation for mobile phone companies and apartment societies, there is a catch too. The agreements allowing a tower to be put up are for up to ten years.

Some apartment owners fear that the structural strength of a building will be in danger with a concrete block and a 10-12 metre metal tower atop it may have inherent risks.

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